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Author: Veronica Charalambous

From Idea to Action: Citizens Explore Sustainability Through Crowdsourcing at AELIA Webinar

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

On 15 September 2025, CARDET, in collaboration with the Cyprus Pedagogical Institute and the Unit for Environment and Sustainable Development, hosted the online webinar “Citizens Explore Sustainability Through Crowdsourcing” («Από την ιδέα στην πράξη: Υποστήριξη έργων αειφορίας μέσω του crowdsourcing»), conducted in Greek.

The event brought together 22 participants, including students, educators, and citizens from a variety of disciplines. The session introduced attendees to the AELIA project, highlighting its objectives and key results, such as the Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) and the AELIA crowdsourcing platform.

A live demonstration showcased the platform’s main features, illustrating how it enables citizens to contribute, collaborate, and share good practices in sustainability. Participants also explored real examples of school-based sustainability initiatives already uploaded on the platform. Although these projects were developed in educational settings, the facilitator emphasized that they remain open to community participation, offering opportunities for wider engagement and collective impact.

The AELIA project seeks to equip citizens with the skills and competences essential for the green transition. To achieve this, the project adopts a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder, whole-institutional approach that spans formal and non-formal education, businesses, civil society, and the public sector. Participants from these diverse spheres will be actively involved in all phases of the project, guided by a quadruple helix innovation model.

Through this collaborative effort, AELIA aims to create an enabling learning ecosystem that fosters transformative change at the institutional, individual, and societal levels—bringing sustainability from ideas into action.

Learn more about the AELIA project here.

Strengthening Digital Innovation in VET: VIRDUAL Project Partners Meet in Nicosia

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

CARDET had the pleasure of hosting the 4th Transnational Partners Meeting of the VIRDUAL project at its offices in Nicosia, welcoming partners from Italy, Spain, Greece, Turkey, and Germany. The meeting served as a valuable platform for reviewing project progress, exchanging insights, and planning the next steps toward advancing digital innovation in Vocational Education and Training (VET).

A key focus of the discussions was the project’s upcoming deliverables, including an instructional web app and an e-Learning campus, designed to foster engaging and impactful learning experiences. Partners explored how these tools can be integrated into work-based learning (WBL) programmes to support both trainers and learners.

The VIRDUAL project aims to strengthen the digital capacity of VET centres and companies by equipping teachers and in-company trainers with the knowledge and skills to use Extended Reality (XR) technologies. By applying XR tools and simulation techniques, trainers will be able to prepare apprentices and WBL participants with essential work-readiness skills, enhancing their employability and adaptability.

Through a dual approach, VIRDUAL focuses on:

  •  Training VET teachers and in-company trainers to use XR effectively for teaching and assessment.
  • Supporting apprentices and WBL participants in developing work-readiness skills through immersive XR-based experiences.

The Nicosia meeting reaffirmed the commitment of all partners to advancing innovative solutions that bring digital transformation to VET, ensuring learners and educators are well-prepared for the future world of work.

Learn more about the VIRDUAL project here!

RALExILA Piloting Events Conclude with Successful Workshop in Nicosia

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

The piloting events of the EU co-financed project RALExILA – National Registries of Adult Learning and Education to Support the Deployment of Individual Learning Accounts successfully concluded with a workshop that took place on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at the Human Resource Development Authority’s (HRDA) premises in Nicosia. 

The initiative, co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union, focuses on enhancing adult learning systems across Europe by establishing comprehensive National Adult Learning and Education (ALE) Registries and promoting the implementation of Individual Learning Accounts (ILAs). The piloting session in Cyprus marked a crucial step in testing and refining the models developed under the RALExILA framework.

Participants included representatives of the HRDA, such as:

  1. Officials from the Ermis Platform Department
  2. Officials from the IT Services Unit
  3. Officials from the Training Services Department

The interactive agenda featured:

  • A presentation of the current landscape of adult learning registries and ILAs across Europe
  • An introduction to the RALExILA conceptual model
  • A discussion on the technical components of the system and the user experience path
  • Insights into the feasibility, accessibility, and usability of the system

Through their contributions, participants supported the development of a proof of concept and provided valuable feedback for the finalisation of the forthcoming Handbook for National Registries for ALE.

For more information about the project, visit: https://ralexila.eu/ 

SHOREWINNER Showcased at COP CoVEs Forum 2025 in Kolding, Denmark

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

On 8–9 September 2025, SHOREWINNER Project proudly participated in the Community of Practice for Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoP CoVEs) Forum 2025 held in Kolding, Denmark. The annual Forum brought together leading initiatives from across Europe to exchange knowledge, strengthen networks, and highlight innovative approaches to vocational education and training (VET).

As part of the Forum, the SHOREWINNER Project team contributed to the T-Shore workshop: “Building and Expanding Europe’s Future: T-shore’s Vision for a Strong CoVE Network”, which took place on 9 September. This interactive session explored how collaboration across Centres of Vocational Excellence can deliver long-term value for regions, industries, and learners.

Representing SHOREWINNER, Project Leader, Teresa Nogueira and Ilona-Elefteryja Lasica, delivered a joint presentation showcasing the project’s role in strengthening vocational excellence in Southern Europe. Together with partners from Wind Energy Ireland, Skive College (Denmark), POM West-Vlaanderen (Belgium), and Katapult (Netherlands), the workshop highlighted how T-Shore and SHOREWINNER are already working hand-in-hand to foster cross-border cooperation, industry engagement, and peer learning.

The session featured short presentations, dialogue, live audience input via Slido, and a panel discussion involving education and industry representatives. Key messages included the importance of cross-CoVE collaboration, structured peer learning, and designing projects that evolve based on real partnership and regional needs.

By participating in Forum 2025, SHOREWINNER Project reinforced its commitment to shaping the future of vocational excellence in Europe. The project will continue to work closely with European partners to ensure that vocational education systems remain responsive, innovative, and aligned with the needs of both learners and industries.

For more information about the event, visit: https://www.copcoves.eu/forum-2025/ 

Learn mora about the SHOREWINNER Project, here.

CARDET at the Teacher Training Days 2025–2026

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Blog.

CARDET actively participated in the Teacher Training Days for the 2025–2026 school year, organised by the Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth and the Cyprus Pedagogical Institute, held from 2–5 September 2025. The initiative gathered preschool, primary, and special education teachers from across Cyprus for a series of professional development workshops.

On 2 September in Kalo Chorio, Larnaca, the RoboAquaria introduced 15 educators to practical robotics tools and their application in the classroom, with a strong emphasis on promoting STEM education and environmental awareness. The session, titled “Application of Robotics for the Promotion of the STE(A)M Approach and Environmental Awareness”, showcased how robotics can be meaningfully integrated into diverse subjects — from art to environmental education. Teachers explored the definition of a robot, examined real-world examples of robotics in monitoring marine ecosystems, coastal erosion, and pollution, and engaged in hands-on practice using tools such as the M5StickCPlus (“the brain”) and the Dual Button (sensor). With the UIFlow Virtual platform, teachers programmed commands and gained insight into how robotics can enrich classroom learning. The session also encouraged discussion on how such tools can foster more interactive lessons while cultivating students’ environmental awareness. Educators wishing to delve deeper can access UIFlow Virtual, ready-to-use lesson plans, and a full online course on educational robotics and marine education through the project’s platform: https://elearning.roboaquaria-project.eu/ 

On 3 September in Palaiometocho B’, the Ageing Well and COSERE workshop titled “Collaborative Practices among Teachers within the School for Professional Learning Purposes”, focused on strengthening collegiality and promoting teacher wellbeing. In the presence of 25 teachers from Kokkinotrimithia A’ and Paliometocho B’ Primary Schools, the session introduced positive psychology and the PERMA wellbeing model. Educators worked in groups to outline the profile of a “good colleague”, share meaningful experiences of professional support, and reflect on common challenges. They then brainstormed initiatives to foster collegiality within their schools, presenting their proposals in plenary. The workshop also incorporated experiential activities and digital tools designed to encourage mutual support and collaboration.

On 4 September at Lemesos – Agios Spyridonas Primary School IG’, the Digital Harmony and Ageing Well workshop on “Collaborative Practices among Teachers within the School for Professional Learning Purposes”, explored ways to promote cooperation and networking, particularly in the context of intergenerational learning and community-oriented initiatives. With the participation of 11 teachers, the session once again highlighted the PERMA model, combined with group work on defining the traits of a supportive colleague, sharing positive experiences, and co-designing initiatives to enhance collegiality. These ideas were later presented and discussed collectively.

Through these workshops, CARDET contributed to the success of the Teacher Training Days by equipping educators with practical tools, innovative methodologies, and new perspectives to strengthen professional growth, wellbeing, and classroom innovation.

Winning Proposals Announced for the United for a Green Europe (UxGE) Project

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

The United for a Green Europe (UxGE) project has reached an exciting milestone with the announcement of the winning proposals from across Europe – including three innovative projects from Cyprus.

The UxGE initiative, implemented by CARDET in Cyprus, invited young changemakers from Ireland, Lithuania, Belgium, Spain, and Cyprus to put forward bold, practical ideas to advance a greener, more inclusive, and sustainable Europe. The winning proposals were unveiled during the project’s international mobility in Brussels (7–10 July 2025), where young representatives had the opportunity to present their ideas, meet with European institutions, and exchange knowledge with peers from across the continent.

From Cyprus, three teams stood out with their compelling proposals, which you can watch here:

Their work reflects the creativity, motivation, and civic engagement of Cyprus’ youth, addressing urgent challenges related to environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and community resilience. The proposals were not only met with enthusiasm from peers and decision-makers but also highlighted the potential of young people to actively shape policy and inspire change at both national and European levels.

The full list of winning proposals from all participating countries can be found here (with Greek subtitles). A dedicated UxGE playlist here, showcases the proposals and experiences of all participants.

By empowering youth to develop, present, and advocate for their policy ideas, the UxGE project contributes to the broader vision of the European Green Pact. It nurtures a new generation of informed, confident, and proactive young leaders ready to address the environmental and social challenges of tomorrow.

CARDET warmly congratulates the Cypriot winners and all participants for their outstanding contributions, and extends its appreciation to the project’s partners and supporters for making this initiative possible.

To learn more about the UxGE project visit the website, here.

CARDET: «ΌΛΑ τα παιδιά με σχολικά»

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in 20 years, Community Actions.

Η ομάδα του CARDET, στο πλαίσιο της πρωτοβουλίας #twenty4twenty, με χαρά συνεισέφερε στην εκστρατεία «ΌΛΑ τα παιδιά με σχολικά», που διοργανώνει το Παγκύπριο Συντονιστικό Συμβούλιο Εθελοντισμού. 🎒📚

Η ομάδα μας συγκέντρωσε σχολικά είδη, ρουχισμό, βιβλία και άλλα πολλά με σκοπό τη στήριξη παιδιών που έχουν ανάγκη, ώστε να ξεκινήσουν τη νέα σχολική χρονιά με όλα τα απαραίτητα εφόδια.

Ευχαριστούμε όλους/όλες όσοι/όσες συνέβαλαν και στήριξαν αυτή την ουσιαστική προσπάθεια!

Μαζί, ενισχύουμε την ισότιμη πρόσβαση στην εκπαίδευση. 💙

#CARDET #ΌλαΤαΠαιδιάΜεΣχολικά #BackToSchool

The Honorable Tanya Davies MP Visits CARDET to Explore Mental Health and Well-being Initiatives

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Blog.

On Tuesday, 26 August 2025, CARDET had the distinct pleasure of welcoming Η.Ε. Μs. Tanya Davies MP, State Member for Badgerys Creek and former Minister for Mental Health, Women, and Ageing for the Government of New South Wales, Australia. The visit placed a strong emphasis on youth mental health and well-being, fostering a productive dialogue on knowledge exchange and best practices in prevention, early intervention, and community-based support.

Showcasing Innovation in Mental Health

CARDET presented a portfolio of pioneering initiatives designed to strengthen mental resilience, promote positive psychology, and address emerging challenges in digital well-being. The showcased projects included:

  • Thriving Schools – Aims to implement a whole-school, systemic approach to mental health and well-being across Europe.
  • PERMA Digital – Aims to develop and implement a whole-school program for well-being in digital education, assessing its potential to be mainstreamed and scaled up through mixed-methods research.
  • Supporting Mental Health Resilience among Youth in Cyprus – A collaborative initiative with UNICEF and the Ministry of Health.
  • European Teacher Wellbeing and Career Observatory – Monitors and promotes teacher well-being across Europe.
  • Digital Harmony – Encourages healthy digital behaviors and online safety.
  • YouthWell – A platform enhancing the psychosocial well-being of adolescents.
  • Ageing Well – Encourages healthy and active aging.
  • Glitter – Supports evidence-informed policy at the European level by developing and testing a whole-school approach that brings several evidence-based tools and practices into a coherent whole to enhance digital well-being.

During the visit, Ms. Davies showed particular interest in strategies for early intervention, youth engagement, and smooth transitions from hospitalization to community care. Discussions also highlighted CARDET’s ongoing research and development in mental health, the role of social media and influencers in spreading positive mental health messages, and approaches to sustainable funding and partnerships.

A Shared Commitment

The visit underscored Ms. Davies’s commitment to advancing youth mental health and her support for sustainable, community-driven solutions.

For CARDET, the exchange reaffirmed its mission to innovate, collaborate, and inspire action—working hand-in-hand with local and international partners to ensure the well-being of young people and communities.

UST Project Successfully Concludes, Equipping Municipal Staff for Sustainable Tourism

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

The UST – Upskilling Municipal Staff’s Competences on Planning and Managing Sustainable Tourism project has officially concluded, culminating in the successful implementation of Multiplier Events across all partner countries. These events showcased the project’s key achievements, including the innovative UST e-course, the comprehensive Handbook on Sustainable Tourism, and the interactive Self-Assessment Tool.

Designed to enhance the skills of municipal staff and local stakeholders, these resources support the development and management of tourism strategies that are economically viable, socially inclusive, and environmentally sustainable. By promoting knowledge exchange and fostering collaboration, the project has delivered practical tools and actionable pathways for municipalities to adopt resilient and future-focused tourism models.

Although the project has reached its conclusion, all resources remain freely accessible to support ongoing learning and practical application throughout Europe and beyond. 

Discover the full range of outcomes and resources at https://ustproject.eu/ 

RALExILA: Strengthening Adult Education in Europe through Innovative National Registries

Written by Veronica Charalambous on . Posted in Project News.

On Wednesday, 6 August 2025, the second pilot event of the RALExILA project – National Adult Learning Registries to Support the Development of Individual Learning Accounts (ILAs) – was successfully held at the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth.

Co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union, the initiative focuses on enhancing adult education systems across Europe through the creation of comprehensive National Adult Learning Registries and the promotion of Individual Learning Accounts (ILAs). The pilot meeting marked a crucial step towards refining the model developed within the RALExILA project to better suit the Cypriot context.

The event brought together representatives from the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth, including the Office of European and International Affairs, Lifelong Learning and Adult Education (IDEP), the Directorate of Primary Education, and Training Centres. Participants engaged in an interactive agenda that included:

  • A presentation of the current landscape of adult learning registries and ILAs across Europe
  • An introduction to the RALExILA model
  • Discussions on challenges, stakeholder needs, quality assurance mechanisms, and system governance
  • Exchange of user experiences and ideas for improving the relevance, accessibility, and usability of the system

Through their contributions, participants provided valuable recommendations and feedback on the RALExILA model, as well as for the finalisation of the forthcoming Handbook on National Adult Learning Registries.

The event concluded with a reflection session, reinforcing the commitment of all stakeholders to strengthening adult education infrastructures at the European level.

This initiative is aligned with the priorities of the European Agenda for Adult Learning 2024–2025, as well as the upcoming follow-up project for the 2026–2027 period. It also reflects the broader philosophy of the National Strategy for Lifelong Learning, aiming to increase adult participation in lifelong learning through appropriate mechanisms and relevant initiatives.

For more information about the project, please visit: https://ralexila.eu/